Improvement in circuit-closers for railway-signals



s. WEEK S Circuit-Closer for Railway-Signals.

N0.165,281, Patentedluly6,l875.

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NITED STATES PATENT QFFICE,

SAMUEL YVEEKS, OF NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.

IMPROVEMENT IN ClRCUlT-CLOSERS FOR RAILWAY-SIGNALS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 165,281, dated July 6, 1875 application filed June 5,1875.

sponding parts.

The object of my invention is to provide a cheap, durable, and reliable circuit-closing device, to be arranged at different pointsot' the track for indicating the approach of the train or the position of the same at the station, bridge, crossing, or other suitable place, for

' the purpose of controlling in satisfactory manner the running of trains over the road.

The invention consists of a metallic springplate or connector, that is supported at both ends by spiral springs, and brought by the I train in contact with a central plate arranged below the same on a post connected to the earth.

In the drawing, A represents the metallic connector, which is made of a curved spring strip or band, that is supported at both ends on spiral springs B, placed on metallic bases B. The connection is by its spring arrangement very flexible, and arranged in a suitable casing at the side of the rail or in any other suitable position thereto, so that either the wheels'or any other suitable part of the locomotive may depress the connector on passing above the same. Below the central part of which pass up along the poles at the side of the track to the line-wires and to a battery, gong, and earth connection at the station or other point where the train is to be signaled.

The instant when the connector is depressed by the train, and brought in contact with the central plate below, the circuit is closed, and the signal given at the station.

Any number of circuit-closers may be arranged at different points and distances along the track, they being inclosed by a suitable casing, so as to be readily placed in position and repaired.

Having thus described inyinvention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- A circuit-closing device for signaling the passage of railway-trains over the track, composed of a spring-supported connecting-plate insulated from the ground, and placed in cornmunication with the line'wires, and of a central contact-plate supported below the connector, and connected to the earth for closing the circuit with the station by the contact of connector and central plate, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

. SAMUEL WEEKS. Witnesses Guns. A. ADAMS, J AS. RIORDAN. 

